Houthi Delegation Visits Saudi Arabia for Ceasefire Talks

An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
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Houthi Delegation Visits Saudi Arabia for Ceasefire Talks

An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

A Houthi delegation is set to carry out negotiations in Saudi Arabia on Friday, in the first such visit by the Iran-backed group since its coup in Yemen.

An Omani plane carrying a 10-member Houthi delegation and five officials from mediator Oman headed towards the Saudi capital, AFP reported on Thursday.

The Kingdom wanted to resume its and Oman's efforts to "reach a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen and a sustainable political solution acceptable to all Yemeni parties," the Saudi Press Agency said.

Reuters also said the discussions included paying salaries of the Yemeni employees, opening airports and ports falling under Houthi control, and reconstruction leading to a comprehensive political solution.

Saudi Arabia launched an initiative to resolve the Yemeni crisis in 2021.

According to observers, the continuation of talks reflects Riyadh’s keenness on a political solution in Yemen.



Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat

Bringing together representatives from Fiqh academies, organizations, councils, and religious committees, along with a distinguished assembly of muftis and senior scholars from various schools of thought and sects across the Islamic world, the Scholars’ Session reaffirmed the enduring consensus in Islam—both historically and contemporarily—on the legitimate right of women to education.

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

At the conclusion of the extensive scholarly dialogue, which lasted several hours, all participants unanimously affirmed—with enlightened judgment—the Islamic consensus, both historically and contemporarily, on the legitimate right of women to education.

This consensus is based on the comprehensive Islamic texts concerning the matter, affirming that women possess the same rights as their male counterparts to education at any age, level, or field of study, provided it aligns with Islamic teachings.

The discussion underscored that this right is rooted in the fundamental Islamic obligation of seeking knowledge, which applies equally to both genders, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The dialogue included a thorough refutation of all misconceptions surrounding women's education, whether these were complete or partial. Participants emphasized that their religious declaration is intended for all individuals, institutions, and both public and private entities across the Islamic world and minority communities, adhering to the appropriate Islamic methodology for such declarations.

The scholars’ statements praised the comprehensive principles related to the legitimate empowerment of women in general, and their education in particular, as outlined in the Charter of Makkah and the Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.

Both international conferences, which issued these charters, were supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.